York Graduates Largest Class to Date

York Graduates Largest Class to Date

The ceremony for the School of Business and Information Systems featured State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli as keynote speaker. The School of Health Sciences and Professional Programs’ ceremony featured Ms. Yvonne J. Graham, associate commissioner, director, Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Prevention, New York State Department of Health; and The School of Arts and Sciences’ graduation featured Dr. Belinda S. Miles, president of Westchester Community College and a York alumna of the Class of 1983.

Distinguished speaker for the School of Health Sciences and Professional Programs was Kristina Nickoless, a Social Work major and the distinguished student speaker for the School of Business and Information Systems was Amina Sutherland, an Accounting major.

Associate Commissioner Yvonne Graham was the speaker for Health Sciences and Professional Programs

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli addresses the graduates of the School of Business and Information Systems

Dr. Belinda Miles, ‘83 addresses the School of Arts & Sciences

Amina Sutherland, the Distinguished Student speaker for the School of Business and Information Systems, receives award from President Keizs

Kristina Nickoless, the Distinguished Student speaker for Health Sciences and Professional Programs, receives award from President Keizs

President Keizs and Valedictorian Muhaned Mohamed

Steven McCarthy literally jumps for joy at his accomplishment

The valedictorian, 19 year-old Muhaned Mohamed, a double major in Chemistry and Psychology, is the fourth of five siblings to graduate from York, with the youngest set to enroll in 2016.

“We did not get here by ourselves,” Mohamed said to his classmates. “As Sir Isaac Newton said, we have ‘stood on the shoulders of giants’—our professors, our parents….”

Comptroller DiNapoli used his own experience as an example to the graduates of the School of Business and Information Systems.

“Be flexible and welcome new challenges,” said DiNapoli. “Never let the fear of failing stop you from finding out where the train of opportunity may take you. Never let the fear of failing stop you from trying. No one expected me to succeed as comptroller.”

Graham, an immigrant from Jamaica, told graduates from the School of Health Sciences and Professional Programs that as college graduates much is now expected of them.

“You must unleash your skills to make the changes you want to see,” said Graham, who mentioned minimum wage, women’s health and gender inequality among the list of ills that need addressing. She encouraged students to identify their strengths and weaknesses and work on their own development.

Dr. Miles, who addressed the School of Arts and Sciences, talked about her experience as a fully engaged student at York before the college even had a permanent campus.

“Opportunity favors a prepared mind,” said Miles, who, as a York undergraduate, served on York’s Student Government. “Connect thoughtfully with others and invest in the CEO of you.”